How to build a fashion-forward wardrobe on a budget

Wednesday

Aug 25, 2010 at 12:01 AMAug 25, 2010 at 8:00 PM

The past few years have seen an explosion of fashion blogs, both from top industry sources and stylish individuals around the globe. The proliferation has made fashion even more fun, with more voices doling out new perspectives on style and daily wardrobe inspiration. While the blogs run the gamut from budget-busting to budget-friendly, the takeaway is that the best approach is to have a wardrobe that combines splurges with savings - you just need to shop smart to get the best of both.

The first step to creating a fashion-forward wardrobe is to do some editing. Go through each item in your closet and decide if it's something you want to keep. If you aren't sure, put it to the test. Can you use it to emulate a look that you love? Can you wear it in different ways? Of course, you should also consider whether the garment has a flattering fit and is in good condition.

Once you've weeded out the fillers that were taking up valuable real estate in your closet, do some organizing. If you have a smart phone, you can upload pictures of each item you own, sort them and create outfits. If you don't have a smart phone, you can do the same on your computer or, if you want to go old school, use photo prints or Polaroids.

The question of where to spend and where to save is one that comes up every season. Luckily, with the advent of high-fashion Internet boutiques, you can often find great deals on items that would have been extremely expensive in the past.

Designer handbags are always a good idea. They're often the best-constructed options available, meaning that they will last you years, if not a lifetime. If you're unsure of how much you want to spend on a high-end bag, consider investing the most in a bag with a timeless form in classic colors and materials. A structured black leather bag is a thing of joy forever, but a brightly colored bag-of-the-moment might not have the same staying power.

You can apply that idea to footwear as well. Buying classic designer shoes is a good investment because you'll use them now and in the future. Of course, it's often the trendy shoes from top designers that draw us in with their playfulness and innovation. Going for fresh-from-the-runway styles isn't necessarily a bad idea either - they might end up being the new classics. And if you find a look that you love at a discounted price, it's a good thing to have some daring options, too.

High quality accessories will do a lot of the talking in your outfits, so you can save in other areas. Basics that you wear every day are a good item to save a bit on. Look objectively at what you're purchasing to make sure the fabric is attractive and the construction is sturdy. If the prices are low enough, you can have them altered to improve their fit. For special occasions, look online to find the lowest prices on designer dresses that will make a statement the moment you enter a room.

The last thing to keep in mind is that it's always a good idea to incorporate just a few of the trends of the current season. Piling them on doesn't let each element stand out, and you'll end up with a confused look.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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